republicans want us to work together, democrats want us to work together. >> reporter: conceding his loss, mitt romney called for compromise. >> at a time like this, we can't risk partisan bickering and political posturing. our leaders have to reach across the aisle to do the people's work. >> reporter: how did the people of america reject romney. one reason is our population has changed. a smaller share of whites voted, down to 72% of the total. more minorities voting, more young people. changes that favor democrats, like barack obama. he reached out last night to romney backers. >> and whether i earned your vote or not, i have listened to you. i have learned from you. >> reporter: some republicans say they've learned. >> if we don't change modern conservativism, we're going to go extinct. >> reporter: in a nation that just gave barack obama four more years. bipartisanship is going to get an immediate test, the dreaded fiscal cliff. automatic cross-the-board tax hikes, and deep spending cuts are just seven weeks away. live from chicago, i've steve handelsman, news4. >>> a rough post